Nordic, Alpine skiing: 2019 all-stars, athletes of year

Alpine skiing boys

Athlete of the Year: Hunter Montgomery, Queensbury

Hunter Montgomery continued a recent, proud Section II tradition in February. In odd-numbered years recently, the area has produced the state's "combined" champion for slalom.

Montgomery won the slalom title on a Monday and the giant slalom the next day, following in the ski tracks of Lake George's Lane Feldeisen (2017) and Queensbury's Alex Hohman (2015). He is a repeat state champ in the slalom, as well.

"Hunter won basically every race he attended," Queensbury coach Steve Jackson said. "He missed one race and fell in two. One of those was a first-run at sectionals. His ski came off. But he wasn't shaken at all. If he finished the race, he was going to win. It was that simple."

Jackson credits Montgomery's strong family tradition and his own willpower.

"He has a strong dedication to training, and doesn't miss a practice," Jackson said. "He's a solid kid that doesn't know the meaning of the word 'mediocre.' "

First team

Nick Fraterrigo, Sr., Niskayuna: Went from top-20 finishes at states last year to taking fifth in the slalom and second in giant slalom.

Patrick Leonard, Sr., Shenendehowa: Easy-to-root-for Plainsman gives plenty to root for, too: Took 10th at states in slalom along with 22nd in giant slalom.

Evan Toman, Jr., CBA: Makes the leap up to first-teamer after 18th-place finish at states in slalom.

Second team

Cole Paton, Fr., Shenendehowa

Tyler Munter, So., Saratoga Springs

Max Hefner, So., Saratoga Springs

Alpine skiing girls

Athlete of the Year: Hannah Klingebiel, Schuylerville

Schuylerville junior Hannah Klingebiel went from finishing first and ninth in the two slalom events at states...